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A pullup bar is a simple piece of equipment that allows you to do a variety of exercises at home, the office, or the gym. Whether you choose a basic doorframe bar, a wall-mounted bar, or an exercise tower, you can enjoy the benefits of designing a pullup or bodyweight routine.
The wide variety of pullup bars on the market means you’re likely to find exactly what you need — but you could end up spending lots of time researching and might start to feel overwhelmed in the process.
To narrow down your search, we’ve looked into the best pullup bars on the market. Continue reading to learn more about what to look for when buying a pullup bar, as well as some of the best products available.
To help you to make an informed purchase, we determined the best pullup bars based on these details:
- manufacturer’s claims
- user reviews
- ease of installation
- durability
- comfort
- ability to be used for multiple exercises
- safety
Our pricing guide
For our recommended products, we indicate cost as follows:
- $ = under $70
- $$ = $71–$140
- $$$ = over $140
Merax Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar
Product overview: This compact pullup station offers several grip positions, so you can do a variety of exercises. You can attach training accessories, such as punching bags, power ropes, and yoga or TRX straps. Plus, it detaches from the wall so you can remove it during workouts.
Pros: The cushioned back support and armrests help relieve back and elbow pressure. Its sturdy construction allows you to feel safely supported.
Cons: One reviewer had installation difficulties, while another found that the bar started to bend inward. A few people reported that the setup was too narrow.
Price: $$$
CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand
Product overview: This exercise stand is designed to be durable, reliable, and safe. Its solid construction, using 11- and 12-gauge steel, can handle loads of up to 500 pounds.
Pros: You can use this exercise stand for different types of bodyweight and barbell training exercises, including pullups, bench presses, and squats.
Cons: The unit takes up a lot of space and isn’t collapsible. You need to secure it if you plan on doing any kipping movements. Several reviewers mentioned they had issues with the customer service team at CAP Barbell.
Price: $$$
KARMAS PRODUCT Power Tower
Product overview: You can use this adjustable tower to do pullups, hip dips, and knee or leg raises. The back and elbow padding offers comfort while also protecting your body from strains and pains.
Pros: With this tower, you can strengthen and tone your entire body. The arms fold down so you can do exercises like inverted rows. It’s sturdily constructed, so you feel fully supported.
Cons: One reviewer noted a strong off-gassing smell. Several people received their package with parts missing, while others received damaged and scuffed goods.
Price: $$
Iron Age Pull Up Bar with Smart Hook Technology
Product overview: This versatile pullup bar can also be used to do pushups, dips, and squats. It’s ideal for taller people, since the top handle is 6 inches higher than a standard bar.
Pros: It doesn’t require assembly, can be adjusted to fit different doorframes, and is collapsible.
Cons: A few reviewers received a product that was damaged or missing parts. Several people had concerns about the fit of their doorframe. Others reported that it damaged the doorframe.
Price: $$
Ultimate Body Press XL Doorway Pull Up Bar
Product overview: This pullup bar is ideal for people who want to easily switch from door to floor exercises. Its foam grip bar prevents muscle strain and tension while allowing for a range of grip positions.
Pros: It’s positioned higher and farther away from the doorway, which allows for a greater range of motion.
Cons: One reviewer mentioned that it’s difficult to use the bar to do floor exercises. A few people found that the cost didn’t reflect the construction quality. Several users reported that parts were missing when the package arrived. It’s also worth noting that door pullup bars may mar your doorframe.
Price: $
Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull Up Bar
Product overview: This bar’s ceiling mount gives you more head space and range of motion. It also frees up wall space.
Pros: This bar has four grip positions, allowing you to vary your workouts while preventing muscle strain. The padded foam grips are comfortable during longer workouts.
Cons: A few people had installation difficulties due to misaligned bolt holes. Several people had issues with the bar coming out of the ceiling.
Price: $$
TITAN HD Pull Up Bar
Product overview: This durable, solid bar provides excellent value for the cost. It can support weights of up to 500 pounds.
Pros: You can install it on the wall or ceiling and choose the width with which to mount the bar.
Cons: A few reviewers reported that they received a scratched product, which could be due to the oft-mentioned shoddy packaging. Several people had issues with the bolts breaking during installation or after use. Prepare to buy high-quality hardware to ensure stability.
Price: $$$
Perfect Fitness Perfect Basic Pullup Progression Bar
Product overview: Appropriate for all fitness levels, the bar adjusts to three positions, ranging from beginner to advanced. You can use it to do bodyweight exercises such as rows, triceps presses, and lunges.
Pros: The minimal design allows for easy installation and simple adjustments. Along with pullups, kids can use this as a trapeze bar or to do acrobatics.
Cons: One user reported that the bar developed a noticeable bend after one month, while another noted that it’s wobbly. Several people had installation issues.
Price: $
Ultimate Body Press Wall Mount Pull Up Bar with 4 Grip Positions
Product overview: This durable pullup bar has four grip positions, so you can diversify your workouts. It’s easy to assemble and install. The bar sits far enough away from the wall to allow for a full range of motion.
Pros: The padded foam grips help prevent muscle fatigue. The construction is solid and sturdy, making it ideal for suspension training.
Cons: A few reviewers mentioned that the product arrived with hardware missing. Others had to purchases additional parts to install it. Several people received a dip bar instead of a pullup bar.
Price: $
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar
Product overview: This easy-to-install bar attaches to the doorway using leverage. No screws are necessary. You can easily move it, since it’s not permanently mounted.
Pros: The bar is solid and sturdy, so you’ll feel securely supported. You can do pullups and various bodyweight exercises. It offers three grip positions.
Cons: One reviewer reported that essential hardware was missing from their package, while another said their product arrived with rust. Several users said it fell off the wall during use, leading to injury.
Price: $
FEIERDUN Doorway Pull Up and Chin Up Bar
Product overview: This doorway bar doesn’t need screws, making it simple to install. Its sturdy stainless steel construction can support up to 440 pounds.
Pros: You can use this bar to perform pullups and a wide variety of exercises. The solid feel allows you to feel secure even during strenuous workouts.
Cons: A few users had issues with damage to their doorframes. Make sure your doorframe is strong enough to support the bar.
Price: $
Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar
Product overview: This simple doorframe bar supports weights of up to 300 pounds. The comfortable foam grips allow you to complete your workouts with ease.
Pros: In addition to pullups, you can use this bar to do leg raises, pushups, and dips. You can also attach a hammock or yoga sling to the bar.
Cons: A few reviewers mentioned that the bar wasn’t secure, which led to falls and injuries. One person reported that the bar damaged their doorframe. Make sure your doorframe is strong enough to support the bar and your weight.
Price: $
A pullup bar is a piece of exercise equipment made of metal, with rubber or foam grips. You can attach the bar to a wall, ceiling, or doorframe.
Portable versions can be easily stored or transported. Exercise towers give you more workout options but are harder to move.
Know what you’d like to use it for
A pullup bar isn’t just for pullups; it allows you to work your entire body. Along with pullups, you can use the bar to do exercises like leg lifts, hanging crunches, and knee raises.
To vary your workout, you can change your grip on the bar and your body position while doing pullups. You can also use resistance bands, weights, and various accessories. So, when looking at pullup bars, consider what exercises you’d like to use it for.
Think about where you want to install it
When choosing a pullup bar, think about your available space and where you want to install it.
If you’re considering a doorway bar, make sure your doorframe is the correct width. Opt for a bar with a slip-in if you want to avoid any permanent holes. And make sure there’s plenty of space, so you can move through a full range of motion.
Look at the grip options
Look at the available grip positions, as well as the quality of the grip material. If you plan on doing a variety of exercises, opt for a bar that offers several hand positions.
Either way, you’ll want to choose a bar that you can easily grip. This will help prevent hand fatigue and be more comfortable.
Check the weight capacity of the bar
You’ll also want to make sure the bar is stable and secure. It should stay in place while you’re using it, and it shouldn’t damage your wall or doorframe.
Check out the weight capacity of the bar, too, especially if you plan to use weights while doing pullups.
Consider how much you want to spend
Plenty of affordable pullup bars are on the market.
But if you’re fully committed to your fitness routine and know you’ll get good use out of your bar, it may be worth investing in one of the higher-end products that’ll allow you to do a wide variety of exercises.
Installing a pullup bar properly is important for your safety. This can also help avoid damage to your wall or doorframe. Here are some installation tips:
- Avoid mounting the bar onto drywall. Instead, mount it onto wood, metal, or concrete.
- Use wall padding to prevent damage to the doorframe. This may be a combination of plastic and foam. Or you can make a mount.
- Carefully test the stability of the bar by making sure it supports your weight without moving.
If you’re unsure how to install the bar, contact a professional who can do it for you. While this may be costly, it can prevent damage and additional costs down the line.
A pullup bar can be a fantastic starter piece of equipment or addition to your home gym. The key to picking out the best product is to determine exactly how you want to use the bar, the optimal setup for your space, and how much you want to spend.
Carefully follow the installation instructions to ensure stability and safety. Always test out your weight on the bar to make sure you’ve installed it properly.
